City did threaten themselves, and David Silva thought he should have had a penalty late on, but Bayern were the dominant side and Boateng struck from distance in the last minute.

Defeat was harsh on Hart, who just moments before Boateng found the net had made another fine one-handed save to deny his former team-mate.

City had also ridden their luck at times as Bayern, despite missing Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez, lived up to their formidable reputation.

Yet City's approach was positive and bodes well for the rest of their campaign in a difficult group.

Edin Dzeko led the attack as Sergio Aguero started on the bench.

Bayern also had Arjen Robben among their substitutes but he hardly seemed to be missed as his side did all the early pressing.